City farm to get heating back after six months

Farm managers said the lack of a boiler had made day to day working a challenge

A city farm and charity will soon have access to heating and hot water for the first time in six months, thanks to a team of volunteers.

Stonebridge City Farm in Sneinton, Nottingham, has been struggling since its boiler failed in May.

Now, Warriors of Warmth, a group of plumbers and engineers dedicated to fighting fuel poverty, has stepped in to fix the system.

Grace Devey, the charity's marketing and events co-ordinator, said: "It will be life-changing for the farm - we can leave our hot water bottles at home!"

Staff member Grace Devey said the work would help both humans and animals through winter

Stonebridge is a free-to-enter attraction which keeps animals ranging from horses and cows, to guinea pigs and a tortoise.

It also has vegetable and fruit gardens alongside the paddocks.

Ms Devey said: "During the summer it wasn't such a problem, but now we are really noticing it.

"With no heating and hot water, it means the staff and volunteers, especially those who have been working outside, can't warm up.

"Even small things like doing the washing up and cleaning hands is a real struggle.

"For the animals, it means frozen baths and drinking water can't be defrosted.

"The only downside with the work is we might have a battle with the cats for space next to the radiator."

Work to replace the boiler is due to take place over the weekend.

Jonathon Hallam, from Bingham and founder of Warriors of Warmth, said: "We have an amazing team of volunteers, and we have amazing sponsors who donate equipment.

"It is really daunting for charities, and particularly the trustees of charities, to get a new heating system.

"We provide the system for Stonebridge but also experience and advice for people trying to get into the plumbing industry."